Antibiotic Resistance Explained: Why It Is A Growing Global Health Threat

Antibiotic resistance is becoming one of the most serious global health threats, as bacteria are developing resistance to medicines that once effectively treated common infections.

Experts warn the crisis stems not from changes in people, but from bacteria that evolve rapidly due to misuse and overuse of antibiotics.

According to the World Health Organisation, antimicrobial resistance causes around 1.27 million deaths each year and contributes to nearly 4.95 million deaths worldwide. If unchecked, that figure could reach 10 million deaths per year by 2050.

Doctors say people often take antibiotics unnecessarily for viral illnesses such as the common cold, flu or dengue, even though these medicines do not work against viruses.

Inappropriate prescriptions, self-medication and the widespread use of antibiotics in agriculture are also driving resistance.

The report highlighted that resistant infections could make routine procedures, including surgery and cancer treatment, far riskier because effective antibiotics may no longer prevent or treat infections.

Health Experts stressed that people should use antibiotics only under medical supervision and complete the prescribed course. They also called for stronger infection-control measures, greater public awareness and the development of new antibiotics.

“Small but informed actions taken today can help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations”, experts said, urging governments, health providers and the public to act together before antibiotic resistance turns into a large public health catastrophe.

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